Funding keeps vital transport links going

The elderly and people with mobility issues will continue to get an essential service thanks to funding.

Derbyshire County Council (DCC) has agreed to give Bakewell and Eyam Community Transport (BECT) £186,347 to fund it’s Dial a Bus service for another year.

Edwina Edwards, chief executive of BECT, said: “It’s great that we can continue the service, which is the door to town transport service.

“We are pleased that we will continue to get that support especially with all the cuts that are going on at DCC.”

She said the people who tend to use the service tend to be either elderly or have mobility problems.

“It means these people who can’t access public transport will to be able to go to towns,” Edwina added. “It is an essential service. These are people who don’t have a car, they find it very difficult to get to a bus stop.”

Councillor Andy Botham, DCC’s deputy cabinet member for jobs, economy and transport, said: “Community transport plays a vital role in helping people who would otherwise find it difficult to get out and about keep on the move and so retain their independence. I’m pleased that we can continue their funding next year at the same level it has been this year.”